Everyone Secretly Wants to be Poacht

Poacht is a covert job search app for the currently employed that allows you to be on the market, without having to submit a single application. Or anyone being the wiser for it. Simply connect via LinkedIn (your personal information remains confidential, until you decide otherwise). The Poacht algorithm finds the best matches for you. And employers reach out with an interview request. Then it’s up to you whether or not you want to pursue it, and remember: they’re paying for the privilege of talking to you.

Co-founder and CEO Maisie Devine is here to tell us how they’re getting the job done.

Tell us about the decision to apply for ER Accelerator.

ERA is known for taking fledgling companies, making key customer introductions, focusing strategy, and providing access to capital sources –condensed into an intense four-month period. It was critical for Poacht at this juncture to access those resources and to learn from partners who have “been there, done that” and succeeded. We love that ERA is in New York [Silicon Alley], and its “By New York, For New York” ethos.

Tell us about your service.

Poacht is an app and SaaS platform that enables employers to recruit the best and brightest candidates who are currently employed, but casually and quietly looking for their next career move.

How is it different?

Poacht is covert, so you can conduct your search discreetly on your mobile device, without your colleagues or anyone else finding out. Employers cannot see your name, picture, or contact information until you accept their interview request.

What market are you attacking and how big is it?

Poacht is going after the $100 billion US recruiting market.

What is the business model?

We are subscription-based, charging per seat.

What is your take on the current scene in New York today?

It is expanding rapidly, and the energy is palpable. New York is a great market to start building a business, because you have access to every other industry in a five-mile radius.

What is the most searched-for job, from an employer’s perspective?

Recently, we have noticed that the data scientist is in high demand across multiple sectors. It is difficult for employers to define the required experience and skills because it’s a newly created role without much precedent. I think the ideal candidate would have a Phd in statistics or math, but employers have wide-ranging requirements.